I do not own Highschool DxD nor do I own Diablo. All rights respectively go to Ichiei Ishibumi, the series' creator, and Blizzard Entertainment, the company who made Diablo.

DREAM BEGINS…

The world she saw was in ruins. Flames scorched everywhere, and the surrounding buildings were nothing but rubble. Rias Gremory, laying on the ground and wounded, could only watch as the fires of Hell burned her home, the Underworld. Demons swarmed the streets, killing all those that stood in their way.

Her people had put up a valiant fight against the endless tides of Demons. But their power and strength proved too much. Even with the Four Great Satans leading the charge, the Demons overwhelmed them. What they had lacked in power, they made up for in endless numbers that just kept pouring through from the mouth of Hell itself. A never ending tide that for every Demon slain, two more took their place. A battle that their former slaves, the Devils, could not win as their defenses whittled and crumbled. Corpses laid all out on the streets, mutilated and brutally slain.

Even Rias' own Peerage laid broken and beaten. Sona's were also killed from the Demons. Including their Red Dragon Emperor whose corpse became nothing more than a punching bag for the Demons to play with.

As Rias watches in horror, she soon sees a figure amongst the flames, wearing dark a dark hooded robe. His face glowed with a red hue, from what looked like a crystal object embedded into his forehead. Red eyes of terror also glowed, and his skin was pale and cracked.

But Rias knew who this was, for she had seen it many times. It was Aidan, when he was the Dark Wanderer after the Terror Unleashed.

The beloved of his heart. Reduced to ruin by his own folly.

Feeling pity and sympathy for his lover, Aidan walks to her calmly and remotely, eventually catching her attention as he comes to a stop. His appearance, despite how abominable and corrupted it had become, had looked on to Rias' painful expression. It hurt so much just to see her beloved amid the flames and leading these Demons.

"Somnus…" Rias called out, seeing her betrayed beloved come up to her.

"Rias…" Aidan greeted as he kneeled. But his next words came in the form of a song, a very familiar one. "Together in all these memories. I see your smile. All the memories I hold dear."

Rias knew the rest of the song as she also sings back, "Darling, you know I will love you. 'Til the end of time."

Aidan looked surprised, showing a mild expression of it. "You remembered."

Rias smiled at her loved one, feeling nostalgic. "I've never forgotten. How you sang to me at my family's garden. How you… turned your back on all of us."

That last sentence made Rias feel conflicted if not a bit angered and disappointed. Yet still, she truly loved her nephalem as she pours out her grief in tears.

"How you made us kill your enemies, kill each other. All because you took the path we desperately wanted you to avoid. Why?"

Aidan could only respond with three simple words, in a tone that was mixed with apathy and empathy. "You know why."

Three simple words, indeed. But to Rias, they had hurt more than anything. She could already see the coldness in his eyes like he did care for her. That emotionless remote look that he gave to her which had had brought only pain to her heart. It was almost unbearable to even look at, to see the love of her life just simply said that she knew why he did what he did.

Just then though she sees a dark shadow of some sorts behind Aidan as he stands up. It looked like a demon, but nothing like Diablo's at all. Rather it had a horned head and wings, and it oddly looked feminine in appearance.

Rias could only watch in horror as the dark shadow of the demoness takes Aidan away. She tries to reach and call out for his name, only to be ignored and met with silence.

DREAM ENDS…

Rias wakes up with a small gasp in her own bedroom. Her nightmares were back again but unlike last time in the Terror Unleashed, they were not as bad as before. But that did not mean that each nightmare was easy to overcome.

Ever since that day when Aidan fainted due to being mentally attacked, she had become worried for him once again. An once again she was powerless to save or even help him. With him resting and recuperating for the moment, each day felt like a long slow day. Sometimes she just wished for it all to end. All the pain, all the suffering, all the torment he has gone through. The lullaby he sang to her and that she replied was a song he showed her long ago. A song of memories and love. One filled with longing and pain, and that did not bring her such comfort.

And as ever, the shard within her heart was even beginning to slowly creep into her mind. The dark and poisonous influence of its power working its way. She knew better than to give in, but with what has happened of her beloved recently, she was slowly starting to waver. She looks at her hand and slowly clenches it, wishing she had more power. Power to protect her beloved from all threats.

And she soon started to hear the tiny whispers of the shard pledging those promises, using Diablo's voice as a conduit.

'You can save him.'

'It doesn't have to be this way.'

'Embrace your true calling.'

'Submit to your destiny.'

Yet little did Rias know that there was a shadow behind her, hiding its presence. It was not one of Diablo's though, otherwise she would have felt it thanks to the small shard in her heart. This one bore heterochromia eyes and pale skin, a wicked smile covering her face.

The Daughter of Hatred was watching over the Crimson Hair Ruin Princess, whispering to her from above like the temptress she is.

OP: Metamorphose feat. Ishida Yoko – Over the Testament (Shinmai Maou no Testament BURST OP)

(As the music begins, a flash of white light occurs as the camera moves upwards to depict a mural showing the entire universe like a tree, first starting with the Burning Hells and their masters, the Seven Evils, as they light up in red. Aidan appears first in a blue background with a bare chest before it cuts back to the mural moving upwards to the middle showing Sanctuary/Earth and all the other realms surrounding it, including the Underworld which light up in green. Then Rias appears in a red background, a bit further back than Aidan yet also naked before it reverts back to the upper portion of the mural, showing the High Heavens and their leaders, the Angiris Council, illuminated in a white glow. Akeno is the last show further back than Aidan and Rias, also naked and with a yellow background. The last image shows the entire mural illuminated in its respective colors.)

Over the Testament (The title of the show is revealed as Highschool DxD: The Prime Evil)

sabireta kono sekai ni habikoru (Aidan is standing on top of Tristram Cathedral, looking out to the sunset over the horizon before he turns briefly to his right to face away from the camera)
gizen to jiko gisei sore ga bigaku ka? (Rias is shown in front of the ORC Clubhouse before she turns around fully and then begins to walk forward)
honne o kakushita koduku na PIERO (The camera cuts to Akeno in her miko outfit at her shrine, her eyes closed before she opens them in a serious expression)
kyou mo kimi wa Poker face (Asia is shown in a church praying before she turns around to the light. The next image shows Kiba leaning his back against a wall, head down and eyes closed, with the spirits of his dead comrades surrounding him in comfort)

kamen hazushite saa kocchi ni kite (The Gremory rune is shown before the background turns black. Rias appears amidst the flames of the Burning Hells soon afterwards with the rune still present)
arinomama no kimi shiritaikara (Aidan's left arm, from his Sacred Gear that was holding Silentium, is corrupted as he activates his Balance Breaker, making him scream into the air as the shadow of Diablo appears above and behind him)kagayaki ni tsutsumare yasashii kaze ga fuku (Rossweisse, fires a powerful blast of lightning from on high at a group of flying Demons. Xenovia was on the ground as she slams Durandal to the ground, creating a massive quake that topples the incoming Demons in front of her)
sonna sekai o misetakute chikai o koeta (Kiba charges across the rooftops with Sword of Betrayer in hand. The camera follows him where he was charging towards the towering Belial, Lord of Lies. He jumps up to dodge a blast from the Demon Lord before spinning in the air and cutting off one of Belial's horns)

arata ni kizamareru kibou e no ayumi o (Koneko is seen next running across the rooftops as the camera follows her, charging at Azmodan, the Lord of Sin. She lands roughly on one roof before jumping upwards, dodging Azmodan's attack before she runs across the Demon's left arm and delivers a swift kick to his head)
tsugi no PEEJI ni kakishirushi (Rias fires a powerful blast from her Power of Destruction, only to be caught in a blast herself by Azmodan, sending her flying away)

ugokidashita jikan wa New age (Rias is caught by Aidan who smiles at her to which she returns. Then the two lean in for a romantic kiss as they are enveloped in a red power, their clothes also dissipating in the process)

(Aidan is shown in his Balance Breaker, Primal Terror Vengeance, starting at the back as the camera steadily turns around to show him until the last shot shows his left demonic eye. Between each frame, quick-time images appear; the first one being Venalana Gremory, Lilith, and the angel Aurelia in her mortal guise but with her back facing the camera, the second Sirzechs and Grayfia, the third being the Student Council led by Sona Sitri, the fourth being Loki and Diodora Astaroth back to back, and finally the last one showing Sinestra as the Angiris Apostle with the Angiris Council members looking over her, including Tyrael as the Archangel of Justice and Malthael as the Archangel of Wisdom)

(The final image shows Aidan looking to his right at Sinestra in the air, ready to take part in the Eternal Conflict)

"Girls!" Bikou greeted. "You came back!"

"Right on time, I say," Kuroka said. "And with our recent new member as well."

Fenrir then steps out of the portal, looking less hostile and confrontational. He seemed to be adapting well to the Vali Team as their new member. But what was most noticeable was that his eye seemed to be restored like he grew it back.

"His eye looks better than ever," Julian saw the new eye.

"You can thank Argus for that," Kuroka revealed. "One of his one hundred eyes he gave us thanks to that huge favor he owed us a while back worked well."

"We took Fenrir over to Asclepius' hospital to have him perform magic surgery installing Fenrir's eye."

"I have to say, Fenrir looks better," Bikou said upon looking at the wolf Jotunn's new eye. Then he notices the scar above the Jotunn's new eye. "Couldn't do anything about his scar?"

"That mark is permanent, I'm afraid," Le Fay was a bit melancholic. "All Asclepius said was to give it time to heal and it will fade."

Fenrir growls lowly at that, remembering how he got that scar in the first place. The next tome he sees the nephalem, he is going to make him pay for giving him that scar. And it won't just involve biting him again. This time, he'll chew him up.

Kuroka then asked, "Did you find Great Red?"

"Only for a moment," Arthur answered. "But we did."

Kuroka was perplexed. "That's it?"

"Well, a few other things happened."

"Katarea, Creuserey, and Shalba," Vali explained while mocking their names. "The honorable blood of the great devil kings flowed them. They should've lived honorably as well."

"And there was Sinestra," Julian noted with venom in his voice.

"Sinestra was there?" asked Kuroka.

Julian nodded. "We were ambushed by her and held hostage, though she did offer a bargain to have our lives be spared. Simply put, if Aidan was saved by Rias Gremory, Sinestra would let us go. If not, well…"

Everyone was silent on that thought. Of all of them though, Vali's expression was one most notable to be bitter. At this rate, if Sinestra keeps ambushing him and holding him and his team hostage while taunting them, then they are going to continue being played as pawns to the Angiris Apostle's hands.

"B-But at least you guys were alright," Le Fay tries to bring up a more enlightening mood.

"True," Vali said. "If it weren't for the nephalem Aidan, we would all be killed by her and her Elder Angel cadre."

Bikou then asked Vali, "Why did you choose to save the Red Dragon Emperor? That was rather unlike you."

Vali shrugs, "It was only a whim and nothing more than a whim. And perhaps it isn't actually over yet. Remember this, Issei Hyoudou, what you consider peace can often be painful to others."

"Well, with all that out of the way, why don't we all do something fun for once?" asked Kuroka with hands together and smiling. "Like… going on vacation?"

"Say what now?" Julian blinked twice.

"You heard me," Kuroka said. "Let's all go on vacation just to relax. We've got to unwind some time after all the things we have been through lately. And let's bring Mirana too. We can't let her stay inside the temple forever and pray for a recovery of her mind."

"I don't know, Kuroka," Le Fay voiced her fears. "Sinestra is still out there, slaughtering whatever innocents she suspects of corruption."

"Agreed," Arthur adjusts his glasses. "From what I have heard, Sinestra's next target are the Baptists. She may have also sent some Elder Angel scouts to look for any survivors from Shuya."

"Have they found Perun's temple yet?" asked Julian in a brief moment of trepidation.

"Not yet," Arthur replied, assuring Julian. "With the Slavic gods' magics, so far the temple has been kept safely hidden."

"But if we bring Mirana out, Sinestra could sense her presence," Bikou states. "It's likely she knows that Mirana is one of the survivors."

"Then we can just ask Perun to temporarily put a protective camouflage charm on her. That way, not even Sinestra may find her," Kuroka suggested, keeping up her smile. "And besides, I already know where we are all going to: Fiji."

Le Fay tilts her head. "What's a Fiji?"

"It's a small island in the Pacific, near New Zealand," Kuroka answers. "It's well hidden and remote. Tourists come there all the time just to relax."

Vali agrees to the location suggestion. "Doesn't sound too bad. It might be perfect for us to unwind a little."

Bikou was surprised. "I didn't think you were one to unwind, Vali."

"I got to take my mind off a few things," Vali admitted as he rubs the back of his head. "My sister being one of them."

The others were surprised to see Vali agreeing to Kuroka's suggestion. But after the trauma he went through recently regarding Sinestra, perhaps it is best for him if he can relax just for once. And besides, he can have his fight with the Red Dragon Emperor later. Along with wanting to kill Sinestra for her betrayal. Everyone seemed to be on board with this suggestion.

Julian however was still concerned for his girlfriend's safety. "One other problem. Mirana has lived as a cloistered nun for most of her life. Her wardrobe is not exactly diverse."

"Already got that covered, Julian dear," Kuroka winks as she pulls out what appears to be a sexy trikini.

The top of this striped bikini was magically adjusted to fit MIrana's enormous bust. The sight of it was enough for Julian to start imagining things and getting his pants excited. His resistance quickly falters.

"I also brought some pajamas too for her," Kuroka reveals pulling out said pajamas. "Along with some more fitting casual clothing like tube tops, jean short shorts, Tesla short shorts…"

Every single article of clothing Kuroka said she pulls out like she was frantically searching for something. They all flew in the air right in front of Julian's face, making him imagine Mirana in each said article of clothing. It only made him more excited before his resistance fades away completey.

Finally, his fears were purged. But at least he doesn't go crazy in the mind and plays it off cool. "Okay… We're bringing her. But only if Mirana is okay with it then I see no problem."

"How though?" Arthur asks. "Mirana is a shy and cloistered nun, who doesn't wear skimpy clothes. No offense, Julian."

"None taken," Julian nods.

Kuroka smirks at the question. "Leave that to me. I got ways of convincing."

"Then it's settled," Vali said. "Let's head to Fiji for some R&R."

Back at Gremory Territory, in one of the bedrooms used in the Gremory Mansion, Aidan lied still on his back in a comatose state. He had already been like this for three days straight, with the maids, doctors, and Satans doing everything they could to stabilize him. He was not allowed any visitors by Sirzechs' orders on the assumption that the Prime Evils could wake up and attack. Of course, whenever the Satans, doctors, and maids were nearby taking care of the comatose nephalem, guards were stationed nearby, with anti-demon weapons just in case.

Azazel was the only one in the room this time, wanting to examine the source of this occurrence.

"Alright, Aidan," Azazel said. "Let's see what caused you to sleep."

Azazel soon has his hands over Aidan's corrupted left hand, trying to magically examine the root cause of the problem. Suspiciously, he felt that this was more than just the Prime Evils acting up. Whoever had attacked Aidan hadn't just used some sort of spell to attack from a faraway place. It was rather something more manipulative. Like he felt something or someone in his head trying to get inside and control him.

Truth be told, when the Prime Evils were unleashed and possessed Aidan, the seals the Satans placed were broken again. This allowed the Three Brothers to manifest inside Aidan and possess him, transforming him into the Prime Evil which, despite being a small echo of the real Prime Evil in its real form, it was enough to fully manifest as Aidan's fears. If it were not for Rias saving his soul from the inner darkness of terror, hatred, and destruction, they might not have been forced back into the Sacred Gear. After Aidan was forced into induced coma by whatever attacked him, the Satans and Azazel worked on resealing the Evils away, this time with much more complicated spells than before. With Azazel's magic, it will now be difficult for the Brothers to get out.

But as Azazel looks, he sees that the Prime Evils were not the cause of this. There was something else. When he heard of Aidan's words of him yelling his attacker to get out of his head, he had suspected that this was not one of the Seven Evils. The Prime Evils are sealed away, and the Lesser Evils would not dare try such a bold action. Not even Azmodan was capable of this kind of trick. Belial perhaps but not to the extent of making the nephalem comatose sine Aidan is more powerful than the Lord of Lies. Whoever attacked Aidan would have be someone on equal level with the rest of the Seven Evils.

As Azazel looks deeper into Aidan's mind, his hands go over his chest and head, examining both his heart and mind. But as he plunges deeper and looks within, he is stunned to see what he finds.

"It… can't be," He whispered. "That's not possible unless— No."

What he found left the Governor-General concerned. So concerned that he may have to tell the Satans privately about this.

MEANWHILE…

Back in the main hall, the ORC were in a meeting with Sirzechs and Grayfia. The latter two had heard of what had befallen on the nephalem and responded immediately to giving Aidan a room for him to rest and recover. Everyone was already on edge, having heard and seen what had occurred right after they had just seen the Great Red in the Dimensional Gap and Ophis.

"Aidan is still unconscious," Sirzechs said. "Whatever afflicted him had a profound effect on his mind, enough to render him comatose. He is showing recovery in these past three days, but we have yet to determine who or what is capable of attacking him from afar."

The news was grim, and everyone's mood was only worsened further into depression. With the Gremory Peerage's only Pawn and more powerful members down for the count due to an unknown attack, it is undetermined exactly just when he will recover.

"It's my fault," Asia whimpered for everyone to hear. "I-I put him through this."

"No, Asia," Rias denied gently. "You weren't the one who put Aidan in a coma."

"But my kidnapping by Diodora, and his rescue of me, made him so… angry. I-I heard of what he became when I was sent to the Dimensional Gap. I made him like that. If only I was stronger to help him…"

"You may yet have your chance of that," A voice spoke up for everyone to hear, showing Azazel approaching.

"Azazel, how is he?" asked Sirzechs.

"Let's just say it's a bit complicated. But I think there may be a way to heal him." Azazel then looks at Asia's gaze. "It's time to reveal the results of your training. Follow me."

Within Aidan's room, the nephalem was fast asleep. Comatose to be precise. He had laid like this for three days but all the while, his left arm was showing the black corruption, mutating his arm into something more demonic. Everyone was already anxious to see him once more in this decrepit state. Last time they did, he had the Red Soulstone of Terror sticking out of his forehead.

Now this time, it was because someone had attacked him in his mind, powerful enough to render him in a catatonic state. The feeling was both nostalgic yet frightening all the more, for they hated it to see the one man whom they depend on reduced to this.

Asia comes upon the harrowing sight of the man she loved in bed, lying still on the bed. She felt trepidation and guilt rattle her heart, but she had trained so hard on her healing abilities that she needed to find a way to see if it was all worth it. Not to mention that she felt a bit guilty of having played the role of the damsel in distress once again and that Aidan was the one to save her, but with it came the cost of his life.

If Azazel called her to save Aidan, then that is what she is going to do. Aidan had already saved her twice, now she wants to repay the favor.

"The nephalem's transformation into an incomplete Prime Evil had caused his power to malfunction," Azazel said. "This resulted him being exposed to a mental attack by the Three Brothers within his Sacred Gear, as you can see by the black corruption in his arm. It's spreading wildly like a cancer, infecting him everywhere to the point amputation is not an option. But with your Twilight Healing abilities, they just might reverse the situation and help wake him up from his nap. But…"

"But?" asked Asia.

"If you do this, you may strain yourself and your power will be exhausted to the point where you may need days to recover. Your chord An'Naresh is powerful in terms of healing but it was not meant to fit into the hands of anyone who is not an Elder Angel, not even a Devil pure in heart. If you use it on something like this, you're gonna be out of it for a while afterwards."

This had already set off some warning lights in everyone's heads, looking towards the nun out of concern for her.

"Asia, you can't!" Xenovia said. "What if you lose against the Demons within?"

"She's right," Akeno also said. "You're going to be battling Three Prime Evils inside the Sacred Gear. I don't know if you can do it."

"But…. But I have to try!" Asia stated. "I cannot give up on hope. Not with Aidan like this. We still have the three-legged race to do when we get back, and I want him to be part of it! I won't take anyone else to be my partner!"

The group, even Azazel, were surprised by Asia's conviction. Having just been rescued twice by the man she loved, she wanted to repay it in any way she can. She had always prayed to be rescued by Aidan, always held out hope that he would come back. It was no wonder the Archangel Auriel chose her as her mortal vessel for Hope.

Rias, speaking for the group, turns to everyone else and says, "Come on. Let's leave her to concentrate."

Azazel too was about to take his leave but not before he had to impart one last advice to Asia.

"One more thing, Asia," He said. "Given of your training and of how you have twice been brought back to life by the Archangel of Hope, I would wager that your healing abilities have grown stronger, enough to the point where up close contact may be unnecessary. However, this is a delicate situation and will require you to tap deep into Aidan's heart where the damage is most effective. Cling on to that power of Hope, and you may be able to do more than you think you can do."

With that said, Azazel leaves the room and shuts the door, leaving Asia alone.

Asia decides that enough time has been wasted. If she wants to save and wake Aidan up, she will need to draw strength from her virtue of Hope, the blessings of the Archangel Auriel. With her Twilight Healing rings glowing green, she soon wears her nun veil, armed with An'Naresh, the Braid of Yearning as its strands wrap around her two small arms.

A tremendous aura of is released as Asia closes her eyes and concentrates on her healing. The runes of An'Naresh glow blue as the corruption within Aidan's body slowly whittles away, retreating back to the left arm. The malformed demonic hand begins to reverse back into its original untainted flesh and the malfunctioning power from Aidan's Sacred Gear is soon restored and sealed away.

*FWOOM*

Suddenly, Asia begins to hear laughter coming from some sort of female voice. From Aidan's mind rose a dark cloud-like entity that manifested and was taking the shape of what appeared to be Raynare when she became a Demon. The image was quite clear as it took the form of Raynare's shape, also showing the two orange demonic eyes she had when she ascended into a Demon. But although the former Fallen Angel was dead, the entity took this shape out of mockery in hopes of taunting the nun.

But Asia knew what this really was: nothing more than an illusion taking the form of hers and Aidan's worst fears when their destinies crossed.

"You have no power here, Asia Argento," The "Raynare" entity laughed. But that laughter soon turned to horror as Asia soon revealed An'Naresh in her arms.

"Raynare" was soon stifled with fear as Asia's eyes begin to glow blue and white, like she were possessed. Then, six white tendril-like wings sprouted from her back, like she became an Elder Angel or was possessed by one.

Asia then proclaimed, in a rather asserting voice that vibrates with harmony and hope similar to Auriel's, "I will draw you, Raynare, as poison is drawn from a wound."

With one swift action, Asia wraps An'Naresh around Aidan's body, crippling the entity as it could feel the hot burn from the holy fire from the Braid of Yearning. It seared its "flesh" despite being a cloud-like entity, its anger directed towards the nun who showed no fear.

"If I go…" The "Raynare" entity stated. "The nephalem dies."

Asia however was undeterred as she increases her light and hope, further wounding the entity as the burn marks become evident. "You could not kill me. You will not kill him."

But the entity within, stubborn as it was, resisted and snarled back. "The nephalem is mine."

But Asia will not allow it as she further increases her power. "Be gone."

"Raynare" would not be deterred, not after coming this far. Even in death, her spite still lives in the form of this evil cloud-like entity. And Asia will not back down either, not after coming this far.

Roaring in defiance, "Raynare" leaps towards Asia but passes and screams through her like ash and fire, burned by her radiance and light as Asia overcomes her. With the entity final banished, Asia utilizes her remaining healing abilities to purge the dark corruption inside Aidan and force it back into the Sacred Gear. Her lightshow dies down as do her wings that dissipate, and her blue glowing eyes revert back to their original green color.

After collecting herself and regaining her natural strength, she looks to see Aidan, whose skin color was growing back to normal. Gone was the paleness and soon his eyelids began to move before they open up to reveal his eyes.

And the first thing the nephalem sees as his eyes adjust from the blurriness was the sight of a familiar blonde haired girl with green eyes like they were emeralds.

"I know your face…" Aidan said before he smiled, recognizing it. "Asia... Oh, Asia."

Asia was relieved to see him, cradling his face in joy.

Aidan could not believe it. "Dark have been my dreams of late. Thank you, for saving me."

*CHUU*

Suddenly, Aidan felt Asia's lips overlap his, widening his eyes in surprise but then he later closes slowly and accepts it. It was a quick kiss but the first kiss between them, nonetheless. With Aidan now awake and Asia feeling relieved of having her friend and savior back, they were ready to go greet their friends and be together again. This time permanently.

From behind the closed doors however, every one of the ORC watched the whole scene unfold. What their reactions were to Asia's kiss, it would be wise not to know.

MEANWHILE…

In the main hall, Sirzechs, Azazel, Grayfia, and Tyrael were discussing about the most recent turn of events that had left everyone concerned.

"The Old Satan Faction has lost many of their leaders in this assault," Sirzechs said as he showed the images of the last moments for each direct descendant. "Both Asmodeus brothers were vanquished, Shalba Beelzebub was killed, and Diodora Astaroth was, according to Rias, sent to the Realm of Terror to be tortured by the Demons, courtesy of Aidan."

"Never would we guess though that they aligned themselves to the Demons," Grayfia inquired. "But did they act willingly or were they indoctrinated back into their service?"

"Whatever the case may be with them and the Khaos Brigade as a whole, Azmodan's invasion had failed," Tyrael responded. "But this won't deter him. He still commands a very sizable army and can keep invading us as many times as he wants. But for now, I think we bought ourselves some time to focus on a much bigger issue."

"Ophis," Sirzechs nodded. "Does she really intend to be rid of the Great Red in the Dimensional Gap?"

"You heard it from her," Azazel perked up. "She wants her home back, and the silence it has. But without the Great Red as the linchpin, Sanctuary is only going to be more endangered. Has there been any sign of Belial recently?"

Sirzechs shakes his head. "No. There hasn't. But Ajuka Beelzebub has revealed something alarming. Apparently, Belial's attempt to ignite Ragnarök may have created a small fissure in the Dimensional Gap, causing the Great Red to appear."

"Did he now? Belial was always the sly one of all the Lesser Evils. And a troublesome individual. We best keep our eyes and ears out though. We haven't heard the last of him."

"Agreed. One other thing, Azazel. I heard from my little sister that you had been taking care of Aidan. How is he?"

"He'll be alright. The little nun Bishop is helping him recover so he should be back on his feet. But…"

"But?" asked Tyrael.

"When I was examining him, I discovered who it was behind the assault. What the attacker used was old magic. Very old magic. The stuff I had not seen since those Great War days. Almost when like Lucifer himself wielded it."

"What are you trying to say, Azazel?" asked Grayfia.

This was where Azazel had a serious face and tone by the sound of it. "I think I found her. The Blessed Mother."

Upon hearing that last phrase, Sirzechs' eyes widened in fear. As did Grayfia's as she held a hand to her mouth. For Tyrael, his expression was remote, but it also felt like he heard that name before.

The doors to Aidan's home opened up, alerting to everyone to rally to the front door. However, what they saw was Asia and one other person standing beside her, looking none the worse for wear and more healthier than before.

"AIDAN!"

Everyone shouted and ran up to him, with Rias up front and tackling him in a bear hug. "Oh thank goodness. You're back!"

Aidan catches Rias easily in his arms despite the fact that his body was not fully awake. But it mattered little. "Y-Yeah, I am. Sorry about causing a lot of trouble. Took quite a while to sink in the fact that I had been comatose for three days."

Rias however didn't care as she lets of the hug. "All that matters now is your home. Welcome back, my love."

"I didn't think I was passed out for three days," Aidan said. "Can't believe you all missed school due to me."

"Officially the school believes our flight back home was delayed due to a heavy rainstorm," Rias revealed. "So our absence has been excused."

"But we aren't the only ones who are left behind," Xenovia said as she looks behind her. When she did, it was a very familiar silver-haired Valkyrie in a crying state. Again.

"It's not fair," Rossweisse exclaimed. "How could Lord Odin be so cruel? I stupidly thought he returned to take me back home and instead he sends me into battle. I did it without any complaints and when it was all over and done with… He goes back to Valhalla and leaves me behind!"

As the pitiful Valkyrie cries, Aidan could not help but feel bad for her. Odin, for all his seriousness against the Demons, must be a poor handler to his subjects.

"He probably had a load of administrative stuff to wade through after such a major conflict," Irina tries to reassure. "I'm sure he'll come back for you soon."

But Rossweisse was not convinced as she shook her head comically. "You don't get it! I was supposed to be his bodyguard for this mission and now he's returned to Asgard without me there to escort him! Then I'll be labeled as the ditzy Valkyrie who wasn't up for the task."

"Hey, cheer up," Irina said, trying to get through to the woman but nothing ever did.

Aidan could only sigh and lower his head, feeling bad not just for the Valkyrie but also for his girlfriend Rias who had to now contend with an abandoned Valkyrie courtesy of Odin.

"I felt terrible when I saw Odin leaving her behind in the Underworld," Rias revealed like she was speaking of Rossweisse as some sort of lost puppy. "I had no choice but to bring her here.."

"I don't blame you," Aidan said. "I think anyone would have done the same."

"She'll be fine, and if the Asgardians don't want her back, I may have an idea," Rias gave a smile with her eyes not leaving Rossweisse's form.

But Aidan was stunned to hear this statement. "My love. You don't mean—"

Rias though places a finger on Aidan's lips to quiet him, winking in the process. "Not yet, don't spoil the surprise."

The following day it was back to school as normal. No more kidnappings, no more demonic invasions, and no more crazy gods. Just a normal day for once. But for Aidan and Asia, it meant they needed to resume their practice for the sports festival. Since they were in the role for the three legged race, they needed to double time on their practice.

But so far there have been some improvements as both Aidan and Asia chant the words "In" and "Out" as they ran around the track slowly. Irina and Xenovia were there to keep an eye on things and watch their progress. Speaking of Xenovia though, her and Asia have gotten closer since the whole kidnapping episode. And they seemed to be well-connected to Irina, having put water under the bridge their past and previous interactions from the beginning.

And because of their faith-filled beliefs, they were given a new nickname: The Church Trio.

Aidan and Asia stop for a moment as the former unties the two of their shoelaces. "Let's take a break, yeah? We should rest and get some water."

"Alright," Asia said as Irina and Xenovia come to her with some water bottles in hand.

"Hey, nephalem!"

Aidan heard Azazel call him out with a wave of his hand along with a beckoning to follow him. Since Aidan was taking a break, he figured he should do as the sly fox says. The two then come out to a nice grassy spot as the Grigori leader lies down on the grass and watches the clouds go by.

"I had forgotten how beautiful the sky can be," Azazel said. "It's days like this that really remind you what's worth fighting for."

Aidan chuckles in agreement. "No argument there. But you didn't come all the way here to simply look at the clouds, did you?"

Azazel smirks, seeing how smart the nephalem was. "Cheeky bastard."

"Alright, Az," Aidan began and getting straight to the point. "What is it you want to talk to me about alone?"

"No need to get all defensive on me," Azazel reassured. "I could offer you a drink if it helps you for starters."

"Hmm, when the Governor General of the Fallen Angels offers a drink, it just means he needs time to come up with some elaborate and sly scheme."

"Under normal circumstances, yes. But not now, no. Things have arisen that require my attention. And I need your help in providing the answers. I don't want to know the small details so I will just ask this bluntly."

"What is it?" Aidan asked.

"What made the Prime Evils in your body control you to the point you became an echo of the Prime Evil?"

Aidan took a brief moment to think to give the right words before he answered, "Honestly, I think it was just the fact that I lost control of my emotions. I felt the Brothers' influence take control and I couldn't fight back against it. As for how I became the Prime Evil despite not having the other four Evils, that I have no idea."

"I think I do," Azazel interjected. "And I believe it was because of an outside force had a hand in making you go into a deranged state."

"An outside force?" asked Aidan as he knelt down and placed his hands on his knees. "What do you mean? You think someone wanted me to go insane?"

"Maybe. But I need to know something. What caused you to go mad and be possessed?" asked Azazel. "What made you go bonkers?"

"It was when I learned that Shalba Beelzebub was working for someone else. He didn't give me a name, but he did say a phrase that made me suspect who it was. By Three They Come."

Azazel did not say anything after that, but his expression was a bit disturbing. It was as if he heard of that phrase before. And perhaps of who it meant. But he kept it well hidden underneath his relaxing façade.

Aidan however had other things on his mind. And it mainly concerned Rias. Ever since the fight with Belial, Rias had been acting somewhat strange. It was almost as if she reverted to her insecure self during her engagement with Riser Phenex. But Riser had not been heard for many months now, on the premise he was still recovering from Diablo's assault.

If it was not Riser though, who else could be making Rias feel uneasy? Indeed, her near-suicidal actions of trying to save Aidan from himself when he went into a deranged state following Asia's supposed death very nearly killed her. It was as if she saw the true form of the monster her beloved nephalem would take if he became the Prime Evil in its truest incarnation, Tathamet reborn. That fear must have spooked her and affected her immensely, but once more is she trying to hide it.

Aidan could not help but feel shaky. Something was wrong and he knew it. But the question was, what was it?

Rossweisse, back at Aidan's residence, was busy doing some of the housework such as vacuuming and cleaning up the residence. With Odin back at Asgard and of his only bodyguard being left behind, Rossweisse had no choice but to stay put at home. But she was growing accustomed to it pretty quickly. For while the others are at school, she had plenty of time to be alone and also do some of the house chores that the other maids have yet to do. With Xuelan at Ivgorod Yoga, Yubelluna working as part time nurse at Kuoh Academy, and Karlamine working as a blacksmith apprentice, Rossweisse was alone in the house.

Well, almost all alone. There was one particular Asgardian still at the house, reduced to being only a severed head who had quite sharp wit and tongue.

"Rosy lass!" She heard the familiar voice of Mimir calling out, his head appearing on one of the many pedestals in the house. These pedestals were designed for communication between Mimir and anyone else. If anything he looked like a proper tour guide for the home.

Rossweisse prompts to go over to the severed head on the pedestal. "Mimir? What is it?"

Mimir's expression however was disturbing. "We got a problem. A big problem."

"What do you mean?" She asked.

"I just got word from Valhalla," The severed head said. "They might have found him. And he's here, in Kuoh. Codenamed Lesser Evil of Deception."

"Lesser Evil of Deception? Who could- *gasp*" Rossweisse's eyes went wide, realizing who Mimir was talking about.

AT KUOH ACADEMY…

"Somnus…" She whispered his name, as the memories of their first date came to light. She could hear his words plain as day when he had confessed to her his feelings when they were on that love boar.

'You mean so much to me, Rias. More than I think you realize. You were there to give me not just a second, but a third chance in life. You came to my rescue when I had not asked for it, fearing you would not be ready for the terrors within. But you surprised me beyond expectation with your bravery. That is why I can finally say this face to face this time: I love you, Rias Gremory.'

Rias then had time to collect her thoughts to herself as the memories of their past adventures together, starting right at the beginning with Raynare all the way up to the present.

'When that transfer student came into my life, his interest in the supernatural drew my interest. And as I spent time with you, the dull, gray world I had been living in became filled with brilliant colors.'

Rias could then see herself in the gray world she lived in, dull and bland whilst keeping an expressionless face.

'Before that, all I ever knew was boredom and everything felt tedious.'

Suddenly, she was grabbed from behind by the hand of a man, who bore a smile of warmth directed at her. It filled her gray world with colors beyond imagining.

'I knew nothing of happiness or pleasure despite being raised in a prestigious family, yet you taught and showed all that to me. Including the feelings of jealousy and loneliness. Everything.'

But as she mentions those negative feelings, the memories that she had suppressed, the ones showcasing Aidan's suffering, came rushing back. Everything that ranged from Asia's first death to his possession by Diablo during the Terror Unleashed. Even when she ventured into his mind to save him. His two month self-exile into Entsteig only made her even more hardened.

But now a new memory, one where he had temporarily become the Prime Evil, followed by his mental assault and 3 day coma, became too much for Rias. She was tired of seeing her beloved fight and suffer for it, all to protect her and everyone he held dear.

"I knew the danger was near, and yet once more, I couldn't protect you," She said like she were speaking to her lover. "I couldn't… protect you…"

Her fists clench in frustration, remembering how powerless she was once again. Despite learning more about the nature of her powers, having a sabre in hand, and even tapping into a sliver of Diablo's powers, in her mind it was not enough. She wanted more to protect her lover so that he would not put his body on the line all the time. It pains her so much for being so powerless in the wake of her beloved's suffering, especially when she feared that the next battle may be his last. And with her pregnant for three out of nine months so far, she fears of raising her child without him.

That in of itself would be one hell of a nightmare. Even with her family and friends supporting her, it would not be the same without Aidan around.

Rias then spotted something in the corner of the room. An old record player with a horn on it. It was her grandfather's from so long ago, and something she kept as a memento of his. Sometimes he would play some classic music on it as a way to pass the time and liven up the room. It always brought a lightening atmosphere in the Gremory Mansion, to the point even the servants liked it.

It hadn't been used in years since Rias' grandfather passed away. But for Rias, she felt this was the right time to use it.

Lately, Rias had been listening to a lot of Aidan's music. But one band in particular that she became fond of that she and Aidan liked was a band called Within Temptation. They were a symphonic metal group from the Netherlands that specialized in songs that contained a mix of opera and heavy instruments.

Surprisingly, Rias liked this group a lot. Some of the songs she was not so fond of, but one of the songs called Memories drew her heart to it like a magnet. It was that song that Aidan sang to her in the dream, the song she repeated back. The first time she heard it, she cried to it, understanding that this was a love song, but a very sad one. Like someone was missing someone from their life, that their mortal life was finished, and they had to leave a loved one behind.

Now Rias is not one to be a mournful person, but whenever it came to Aidan and all the things he went through in his lifetime of being her Pawn and beloved servant, she could not help but feel this way.

Rias soon grabs a disc from the shelf and inserts it into the record player before turning it on for a spin. Dropping the needle onto the disc, the song starts off with a violin tune before it is joined by a piano. The song immediately makes Rias melancholic, for she knew the lyrics to this song as she began to sing it.

In this world you tried
Not leaving me alone behind
There's no other way
I prayed to the gods let him stay
The memories ease the pain inside
Now I know why

All of my memories keep you near
In silent moments
Imagine you'd be here
All of my memories keep you near
Your silent whispers, silent tears

Made me promise I'd try
To find my way back in this life
I hope there is a way
To give me a sign you're okay
Reminds me again it's worth it all
So I can go home

All of my memories keep you near
In silent moments
Imagine you'd be here
All of my memories keep you near
Your silent whispers, silent tears

Together in all these memories
I see your smile
All the memories I hold dear
Darling, you know I'll love you
'Til the end of time

All of my memories keep you near
In silent moments
Imagine you'd be here
All of my memories keep you near
Your silent whispers, silent tears

All of my memories...

The needle soon lifts up from the disc, indicating an end to the song. But the song makes Rias so drowsy and tired that she is unaware of a dark presence behind her, wearing black robes.

MEANWHILE…

Back at the track and field area, Aidan and Asia were continuing their practice for the Three-legged race. Their coordination, thanks to Xenovia and Irina assisting them, was indeed improving. Since being rescued by each other on separate occasions, they both felt a deeper bond of trust with one another. And it was indeed a most pleasant feeling.

The two decide to take a break, sitting underneath the shadows of the trees. The sun was almost setting on its horizon.

"Good work, Asia," Aidan said. "Your coordination is improving."

"T-thank you, Aidan," Asia said. "And you seem to be doing better as well."

"Thank you. I do feel better since that 3 day coma and-" But that is when he groaned. "Aw crap."

Asia perks up, "What?"

"I forgot my stopwatch. Must have left it back at the clubhouse. Wait here and rest a bit, Asia. I'm gonna go grab it."

"O-Oh. Alright. Take care."

Aidan soon takes off back to the clubhouse in a jog-like fashion. But as he heads back, he soon spots Koneko right at the entrance to the clubhouse.

"Koneko!" He called out as he met up with the Rook. "You're here too?"

"I was on my way to fetch Gasper for the training," She said. "How about you?"

"Just grabbing my stopwatch that I left back at the clubhouse. We should go together and—"

As they approach the second floor of the clubhouse though, what they saw next was nothing short of shocking. Gasper was on the floor, knocked out cold.

"Gaspy!" Koneko cried as she and Aidan rushed over.

Bending down, Aidan slowly lifts him up before he conjures a knife and slits his finger, sticking it into the half-vampire's mouth for him to drink. Gasper was in bad shape, like he was attacked. His hair was messed up and his clothing torn and burnt in some places.

Gasper slowly opens his eyes and starts to regain consciousness. Once he does, he looks to see Aidan there. "Aidan. I-Is that you?"

Sniffing something in the air, Koneko's eyes narrow like she smelled something foul. "I smell a Demon."

Aidan concurred. "I can sense it too. And they're coming from the – oh no."

Gritting his teeth, Aidan rushes upstairs with Koneko and Gasper right behind. He forces the door open to find something shocking. Indeed, thanks to Koneko's scent of smell, he did find Demons. Two to be exact. They were in the main room of the Clubhouse but what Aidan saw next was even worse.

He saw Rias, on her knees and bound in chains as a prisoner. She was not harmed but it did certainly seemed she was ambushed. By her sides holding the chains that bound her were two Archfiends, Demons whose, in terms of appearances, looked like servants of Diablo. Certainly their heads looked similar to the Lord of Terror's, but they also possessed bone-like hands, a pair of wings, a tail, and two clawed feet.

(Author's Note: For reference, this is the Archdemon from Fate Grand Order. I called them Archfiends for the sake of copyright infringement.)

Perhaps gratefully or not since the Demons may have wanted her awake, Rias was conscious unlike Gasper. Her eyes widened in surprise and relief to see her beloved to her rescue.

"Rias!" Aidan screamed.

"Somnus!" Rias replied, relieved to see her nephalem back despite being chained.

But the relief was short-lived.

"And so the nephalem comes," A voice speaks before it steps out, revealing a person in a black cloak with its hood on. But it also gave that eerie red glow by its forehead.

This was the Dark Wanderer in person. But Aidan is also present in the room. Still, he could sense who that was beneath the disguise thanks to his left arm giving off a glow, indicating the presence of one of the Seven Evils. Anger courses through his body as he narrows his vision on the fake Wanderer, seeing a familiar green color in the eyes.

"Belial!"

*SHIING*

With an Armiger formed around him, Aidan charges over to Belial. But a barrier is formed up by Belial, preventing the nephalem from getting close.

"You took everything from me, nephalem," Belial said with his voice mixing in the Dark Wanderer's voice. "And now, I will take yours."

Soon, Belial holds up his hand and begins to unleash a powerful blast of demonic magic. One big enough to make everything seem like a white flash went off.

*BOOM*

And soon, a large chunk of the clubhouse exploded, destroying the third floor.

From afar, Rossweisse saw the explosion and feared the worst, having been too late to stop the catastrophe. She double times it to the destroyed clubhouse, hoping to look for survivors.

Aidan groans as he wakes up and looks around. He saw that he was outside, along with Koneko and a knocked-out Gasper.

"Senpai!" Koneko saw. "You awake?"

"Y-Yeah…" Aidan sits up slowly. "What happened…?"

Before he could get an answer though, Aidan looks up to see that the entire third floor of the clubroom was nothing but rubble. It was just…gone.

"Rias…" Aidan said with a shaky voice, fearing the worst for his beloved.

"We got out thanks to Gaspy using his time stopping ability," Koneko explained. "And the Student Council has sealed the area near the old school building."

Speaking of the Student Council, everyone including Issei works on stabilizing the force field surrounding the area. Thanks to Issei's training and evolving dragon powers, the field is strong enough to block off any demonic influence or magics used against it. Sona in the meantime walks over to Aidan, seeing that the nephalem is now awake with the others.

"Aidan, what happened?" asked Sona. "Why isn't Rias here?"

"Rias has been taken captive," Aidan revealed. "She's now being held prisoner by the Demons."

Sona was shocked. "What?"

Azazel and Rossweisse soon arrive, with both of them bearing grave expressions on their faces like they know what is going on.

"Valhalla sent an emergency message to Rossweisse through Mimir," Azazel frowned. "Belial was responsible."

"I know," Aidan said as he stood to his feet. "I just saw him take my form as the Dark Wanderer, with Rias captive by his servants."

"We best regroup at a more secure location then," Rossweisse suggested. "The barrier can be contained for now until we figure out our next move."

Azazel agreed. But as he looked upon the barrier, along with its occupants inside of it, he cannot help but feel like something was off. Belial showing up out of nowhere certainly is no coincidence, but the question is, is he acting alone or is he getting help?

A bad and uncomfortable feeling rose in Azazel. He could not explain what it was but ever since he looked into Aidan's mind to discover what caused his coma, along with his talk with him regarding Shalba's allegiance, Azazel believed that someone was pulling the strings. Someone powerful enough to control even a Lesser Evil like Belial. No, not control. But an influence. A trace of something dark but long gone, one he had not felt since the Great War.

'This web of deception is clearly designed not by Belial but by someone. For now, we best play their game.'

Later that night, everyone returned back at Aidan's house. With everyone recovering from the news of Rias' kidnapping and Azazel attending the current circumstances, Aidan and Rossweisse met alone in private on the roof to speak about what the Valkyrie had learned. So far what the Valkyrie has told the nephalem was that Belial had placed a curse on Aidan and Rias, allowing the Lesser Evil to take Rias into the barrier and seal himself along with his Demons.

"Rossweisse, what else do you know of this curse?" asked Aidan as he looked away and into the horizon, as if he was seeing his captive beloved from afar.

"From what we know, Belial had used one of Loki's curses on Rias and yourself before we sent him on the run," Rossweisse explained with a serious look on her face. "The curse lays siege to a person's heart, gnawing away at it piece by piece. They cling to doubt, lingering in the depths of your soul. Doubts you've forgotten about or worse, doubts you never even realized you had in the first place. Belial must have used those buried feelings against you. But for you it must have been even worse given of your status."

The Valkyrie's serious look changed into one of compassion for the nephalem. "I know about your status and how parts of your soul are in Evil Pieces, but you remain irrevocably nephalem. The curse affected you more deeply because it started to fill in the spots of your soul and take over your mind."

Aidan frowns as he turns to the Valkyrie before looking down. And yet, he clenches his fists, realizing who the source of all his pain and his scars.

"The Prime Evils…" He muttered. "They caused this."

"Did you remember something, Aidan?" asked Rossweisse curiously.

"Yeah…" Aidan nods. "I still remember my actions when I had unleashed Diablo from his prison. I thrusted his soulstone into my forehead, willingly forgoing my life to save Rias form her forced engagement to Riser Phenex. But in doing so I damned my soul to Diablo forever. I am irrevocably tainted or cursed." Sighing, he turns towards the railing and leaning on it. "And Rias… she risked her life to save me by venturing into Hell itself, facing the Lord of Terror in control of my body. Now… now after all this time, I still fear for her safety. I still believe that my life is not worth saving given of what I had become. Yes, Rias and I have made love before and even confessed. Hell, I may be growing a harem now thanks to Akeno coming into the picture. But Rias is the one I care and love for the most. And it is because I love her that I fear losing her, that I would protect her by any means necessary. I guess the curse took whatever fears I had buried deep down and brought them back to the surface, all thanks to the Prime Evils who provided the crack into my being for them to resurface."

"We are here for you," The Valkyrie sympathized. "But if you are not ready to talk, there's no pressure."

Sighing, Aidan shakes his head. "No. The truth cannot be held back anymore. I hate to say it, but in all the time I have helped people, I have never reached out with my own hand and asked for help. And yet, for the first time in my life, I am doing exactly that. And it is an uncomfortable feeling."

Walking up next to Aidan does Rossweisse lean against the railing and looks at the nephalem. "Then let's talk. Tell me what has happened."

"Well, you see, it all started when I just transferred to Kuoh Academy…"

TEN MINUTES LATER…

After Aidan had explained everything from start to finish like he was a war veteran recounting his military service days in a war, Rossweisse just listened silently. She didn't even speak one word the entire time.

Then, she places a hand on Aidan's shoulder affectionately. "I think I understand now what it is you are afraid of, Aidan. It is intimacy. Of being so close to the ones you love you are afraid to let them go. That's why you took up the soulstone and became Diablo's host, why you exiled yourself because you feared to lose the people you care for most. It is those doubts and fears that have clung to you and have allowed the Demons to influence you. You shoulder so much responsibility as a nephalem that you do not know how to share it. You cannot blame yourself for Asia's first death, for making Rias go through such pain of your torment, but know this, Aidan. This, was never your fault."

"But, Rossweisse… I…"

"You are not at fault," Rossweisse smiled slightly. "Belial was the one behind this. Not you. Do not blame yourself for things beyond your control."

Aidan was a bit stunned. To hear that the Valkyrie who was whining and complaining earlier about Odin abandoning her to Midgard had provided some keen and insightful wisdom about pain and fear. These lessons Aidan had heard time and again, but he appeared not to take them fully to heart within himself. Which was understandable as he was permanently stuck with this cursed Sacred Gear containing the souls of the Prime Evils within. But as ever, despite his power, he makes mistakes and must learn from them if he ever hopes to move on and be rid of his inner demons.

Closing his eyes, Aidan sighs and rubs his face. "Thank you, Rossweisse. I needed that. But what of Rias? How will this curse affect her?"

Looking down Rossweisse sighed. "I don't know. I think the only way we will know is if we confront her herself. Or the problem could be buried deep within Rias' psyche that she doesn't even realize that it's there. From what you have told me, I speculate there are two sides to Rias: her compassionate and caring side for her servants, and her inner hatred and darkness for what Diablo has done to you. If it is the latter, then I fear what the curse could do to her."

Aidan frowns as he looks up at the sky yet is filled with renewed hope. Whatever Belial is planning, Aidan will save his beloved Rias from the Lord of Lies. Or he will die trying.

"Let's head downstairs and regroup with the others," Rossweisse said. "We'll find Rias together and bring her home."

Aidan nods in agreement, following after the Valkyrie as they regroup with everyone else downstairs.

Back inside the living room, the Occult Research Club, Azazel, and Rossweisse are contacted by Sirzechs and Ajuka through a magic hologram.

"How are you holding up, Sirzechs?" Azazel asked after all the greetings were made.

"I am the Devil King first and a concerned brother second. I will conduct myself according to my station in this matter," Sirzechs said with his brow furrowed.

Azazel nodded and looked down slightly. "I'm glad you're keeping a clear head."

"Per our last message from Asgard it will take a rather long time to break through Belial's barrier. Which is a luxury we don't have given that he may try to reignite Ragnarök again."

"We just need to know where he's taken Rias," Azazel said while crossing his arms. "Then we make our move and finish off the bastard permanently this time."

Turning to look at the Governor General briefly, Srizechs addressed to the rest of the group. "My sources say she has been taken to the Dimensional Gap."

"The Dimensional Gap?" asked Aidan.

"Isn't that where Asia was sent by Shalba?" Akeno asked looking at the Satans.

"I have searched the kingdoms of gods and devils alike. It is the only remaining possibility," Ajuka said speaking up since he first showed up.

"Why not return back to Hell? Back to his realm?" asked Aidan.

"Because with Azmodan now ruling a almost all of Hell, Belial will not take chances to go back, weakened as he is."

Xenovia then asked while looking around the room, "So, if we get to the Dimensional Gap, we should be able to save Rias, right?"

Azazel frowned. "The void of the Dimensional Gap doesn't behave according to our lives of time and space. If Vali hadn't stumbled across Asia at the precise moment while traveling, we could have lost her in there forever. Simply put, being thrust into the Gap is more often than not a death sentence."

"Then how are Vali and his friends able to do it?" Akeno asked.

"The Khaos Brigade is a diverse assortment with members from all Three Factions allied with the Burning Hells," Azazel explained while pulling his legs underneath him as he looked at the ground. "They must be using a method, courtesy of the Demons, still unknown to our coalition."

"It could be possible…" Ajuka theorized. "We could have to lock existence on this plane. We could use this world as a beacon of sorts."

But Aidan interjected. "Not an option. We do that, and we will likely bring Hell right back to this world, perhaps the High Heavens as well. A beacon is not an option." He then turns to Koneko. "Koneko, I didn't want to have to resort to this option, but we need to contact your sister."

Koneko tilted her head a bit. "Do you need Kuroka-neesama for some kind of plan?"

Aidan then gave the only option he had. One he knew was a big risk but he would take any chances to save Rias.

"We need to contact Vali. Immediately."

The entire room soon went silent as no one was sure what to do or say, but Aidan could already tell by the reactions of all that that option was nothing short but insane.

There is not much to say on this chapter, other than the fact that the dialogue is not exactly how it went in the anime. But to be honest, this was perhaps my least favorite chapter to write just because it was the start of why many fans of DxD did not like season 3, myself included. But I am glad to get it out of the way. And the next one should be no problem, along with the last chapter.

First we start off with Aidan's 3 day comatose, with Azazel discovering something pretty disturbing, enough to tell Sirzechs about it. Everything goes back to normal until Belial, the Lord of Lies, strikes once again and takes Rias prisoner. Now him imitating as Aidan and seducing Rias was NOT an option. I wanted to do something that ties the story back to its Diablo element. After all, the Demons in Diablo do not seduce mortals, except for the succubus but I will leave that to your imagination. Now it is a race against the clock to find Rias and stop Belial, and this time take out one of the four Lesser Evils permanently without him pulling a stunt liek last time to get away.

I am sure there are quite a few references in this chapter people have noticed. The first one in the beginning from SWTOR, in chapter 1 of Wrath & Ruin dark side route. You guys can look it up because I don't want to spoil it. But the second reference people will get is the LOTR one. I just could not resist not using it and felt it was appropriate, even if it is not exactly how it went in the episode. The third is the song Memories by the band Within Temptation, which I felt was appropriate for Rias to listen to. Now as to how Rias got to listen to the band from Aidan, that is all off camera stuff. Nuff said.

Next chapter should be a no problem to make but no promises. I'll have it out as soon as possible but again, it may take a while since these last few episodes of season 3 are the ones fanfic writers seem to not want to do and that they are anime only.

Like, favorite, follow, and review at your leisure! If you have any questions, feel free to PM me.